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Overview

Killarney, County Kerry, is the departure point for fascinating tours of some of Ireland's most rugged and historic scenery. The Ring of Kerry is a circular tour of famous and photogenic Irish sights. The Dingle Peninsula, a highlight of any visit to Killarney, has multiple options for memorable vacation outings. The wild ocean cliffs have appeared in a number of feature films and were inhabited from prehistoric times. The marine creatures are plentiful and spectacular, from whales to dolphins to seals to sea turtles.

Ring of Kerry

Spend a full day on a guided bus tour of a fabled mountain road, the Ring of Kerry, leaving from O’Connor’s Bus Depot, Killarney, at 10:30 a.m. and returning the same day at 5 p.m. Circle through the magnificent scenery of the River Laune, past Glenbeigh, Kells, Caherciveen and the southern shores of Dingle Bay to Killorglin. Go on to Waterville and take the coast road through Coomakista Pass and Derrynane and on to Sneem. Head up a mountain to Molls Gap, marvel at Ladies’ View and return to Killarney. En route there is a one-hour stop for lunch and an afternoon tea and pub stop bookended by folklore, tales of history and culture, a geography lesson and plenty of photo opportunities. Student discounts are available. Wild Kerry Day Tours Ard Ross, Ross Rd. Killarney, Kerry + 353 64 6631052 oconnorautotours@eircom.net

Skellig Islands Boat Tour

Leaving mornings at 9:30 from Portmagee Harbor, this tour takes guests on a four- to five-hour journey to a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Skelligs are noisy with thousands of seabirds including puffins and gannets, but they were once the setting for an important and isolated monastery. Little Skellig, the smaller of the two islands, is closed to people, but you can see the nesting gannet population there from the boat. Skellig Michael, or Great Skellig, has the abandoned sixth-century Christian monastery perched on a cliff almost at its peak. You will land here and visit the island and, if you have the luck of the Irish, you may see a Minke whale or even a bobbing selkie among the seals. Hidden Ireland Adventures 251-478-7519 (from North America) info@hiddenirelandtours.com

Dingle Peninsula Archaeology

Hop a mini-bus in Dingle Town and travel back in time 6,000 years. Sciuird Archaeological Adventures guides you through four to five sites--Stone Age to medieval--with some walking and exploring between sites. The tour is 2 1/2 hours, leaves from the pier and is limited to six to 11 people, so reservations are a must. One morning and one afternoon tour are offered in season, May through September. Sciuird Archaeology Adventures Holyground, Dingle County Kerry, Ireland +066-915-1606 archeo@eircom.net.